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The identity construction of Chinese anime pilgrims

Author

Listed:
  • Liu, Shang
  • Lai, Dan
  • Li, Zhiyong

Abstract

Anime pilgrimage is a form of tourism induced by a popular culture, the anime culture. To better understand contemporary cultural consumption, this exploratory research studies the tourist identity construction of Chinese anime pilgrims and the role played by cultural context in it. Following an interpretive methodology, this paper illustrates the process of an individual to construct the identity as an anime pilgrim. This research distinguishes four different identity levels of anime pilgrims, including a unique fantasized identity as the anime me. The findings also proposed an identity model showing that the identity construction of Chinese anime pilgrims goes through the processes of compliance, identification, internalization and individualization.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Shang & Lai, Dan & Li, Zhiyong, 2022. "The identity construction of Chinese anime pilgrims," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:anture:v:93:y:2022:i:c:s016073832200024x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.annals.2022.103373
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, Carol X. & Xiao, Honggen & Morgan, Nigel & Ly, Tuan Phong, 2018. "Politics of memories: Identity construction in museums," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 116-130.
    2. Zhang, Jingru & Tucker, Hazel & Morrison, Alastair M. & Wu, Bihu, 2017. "Becoming a backpacker in China: A grounded theory approach to identity construction of backpackers," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 114-125.
    3. Goulding, Christina & Saren, Michael, 2016. "Transformation, transcendence, and temporality in theatrical consumption," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(1), pages 216-223.
    4. Zhang, Jinfu & Xiao, Honggen, 2021. "Liquid identities: Han sojourners in Tibet," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    5. Davis, Andrew, 2017. "It wasn't me, it was my festival me: The effect of event stimuli on attendee identity formation," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 484-500.
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    Cited by:

    1. Li, Chunxiao & Li, Lin & Li, Xiang (Robert), 2025. "Tourism uniqueness: Entropy reduction through volitional system switching," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    2. Ma, Xiaolong & Zhao, Yiyuan & Su, Weifeng, 2025. "When hosts meet guests: Local residents' identity construction amidst rural tourism gentrification," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    3. Zhou, Peiling & Wang, Ke, 2026. "Communitas, fluidunitas and healing at a post-secular pilgrimage tourism site," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).

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